Licensed Practical Nurse

Job Summary
Under the direction of the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator, and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, the LPN provides a broad range of nursing functions and direct care; including psychiatric and physical assessments, crisis interventions, medication administration, group facilitation and other duties as required.

The LPN role is in accordance with the LPN scope of practice and clinical direction is provided by the RPN/RN on duty. The LPN is responsible for implementing the delivery of trauma-informed care for people that may have or have experienced homelessness, severe addictions, mental illness, concurrent disorders, trauma and family, cultural and community disconnection. Clients may also have involvement in the criminal justice or forensic systems. As a member of the multi-disciplinary team, the nurse shares information with team and other professionals in relation to client progress, care planning and interventions.

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from a recognized program for Licensed Practical Nurses and ability to maintain full practising license with the BCCNM
• Ability to provide/obtain the following upon hire:
  • Valid B.C. Class 5 Driver's License
  • Valid First Aid Certificate ("Emergency First Aid – Community Care" or equivalent)
  • Criminal Records Clearance from the BC Ministry of Justice.
  • Tuberculosis Clearance (Done within the past 6 months)
  • Immunization Records
  • WHMIS Certificate

Knowledge and Abilities

• A good understanding of the issues facing women / men with complex needs related to psychiatric disability, addiction, past trauma / victimization.
• Ability to work with people with a mental illness and addictions.
• A good understanding of mental illness, addiction issues, psychotrophic medications and psychosocial rehabilitation principles/ strengths-based model.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients.
• Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement psychosocial rehabilitation framework and strength-based, recovery-oriented techniques
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement techniques related to concurrent disorders (mental illness and addiction), including motivation enhancement techniques and harm reduction.
• Knowledge of an ability to work with the culturally diverse group of clients, including Aboriginal clients.
• Knowledge of housing issues and community resources in Metro Vancouver.
• Ability to effectively organize work
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others
• Ability to operate related equipment (i.e. computers)
• Ability to organize and prioritize

Casual is defined as on call with no guaranteed hours. Shifts can be called out via short call (1-5 hours of notice) or pre-booked).

About Coast
Coast Mental Health (Coast) is one of the largest mental health non-profit societies in Canada, and operates a large array of innovative housing and community based rehabilitation services for people with a mental illness living in and around Vancouver.  Coast operates in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia providing approximately 1000 people with supportive housing and 4000 clients living in the community with a wide variety of programs and services.
Coast fosters a client-driven, recovery-oriented environment that promotes restoring health, personal growth and a return to society for individuals with a mental illness through advocacy and providing direct programs and services.

Why Coast

• We believe in our people and recognize for hard work.
• We operate client-centered care under the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation.
• There is a variety of work within a particular position and within the organization.
• We strive to be the best that we can be.
• We hold Exemplary Status accreditation through Accreditation Canada.
• We have won numerous awards for our innovative programming.
• We care about our employees, and believe in living our values and culture throughout the organization

***Employees of Coast must apply within seven days of the posting date with their internal account (Coast email address registered) to be considered as an internal applicant. Current Coast employees who apply to this posting using external accounts or after the 7 day deadline will be considered as external candidates. Seniority will not apply.***

Coast Mental Health is committed to creating a culture of diversity and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or disability.